Rick Davenport spins wood on a lathe, making pure art pieces, bowls, vessels, wine openers, fine pens, votives and more. Creating while spinning wood at high speed, he connects to the organic nature of the wood, while at the same time appreciating its imperfections and beauty.​LH: How do you keep your creative spark? What keeps you fascinated?

RD:My medium provides such a wide variety of challenges that it never gets boring.

LH: What is your dream project? If there were no restrictions on time or money what would you create?

RD: I have no grand plan for a magnum opus.

LH: Where are you finding ideas for your work these days?RD:I collaborate with unusual pieces of wood. The wood itself leads us into new realms.

LH: What have you learned about yourself through your explorations in art?

RD: I have discovered an innate ability to visualize form and shape. For example, when hollowing out the inside of a bowl, I can follow the shape of the outside quite accurately. It’s not a learned thing; it’s a gift. Hard to explain.

LH: If you could own a piece of art by any living artist, what would it be (or whose)?

RD:I would love to have one of Pamela Mummy’s chess sets.

LH: Do you collect anything?

RD: Believe it or not: insults. There are lots of good ones out there. I try not to say them out loud.

LH: What is the biggest obstacle in your art life that you have overcome? Or are overcoming?

RD: The biggest obstacle I face now is physical. At the end of a long turning session, my hands ache. I have learned to take more breaks, but sometimes the deep concentration involved in the turning process overrides common sense. LH: Can you describe a single habit that you strongly believe contributes to your success?

RD: Patience. You cannot hurry in a turning project. Bad things can happen. Ironically, I am not a patient person outside of my studio.

LH: Who is your biggest supporter? How does that support show up?

RD:My wife Bev. Without her, I would never have had the opportunity to develop into the artist I am today. Thank you, Bev.​

LH: What do we need to know about your story?

RD: Like it says on my business card: “Life shouldn’t be dull.”Mine’s not. And I am glad.